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In the wake of the pandemic, one technology has emerged as a game-changer: Zoom. This platform has allowed many aspects of life to continue with minimal disruption, albeit in a new format. From virtual classrooms and workplaces to cocktail hours and family gatherings, the adaptability of video conferencing has been remarkable. Among those professions that have successfully transitioned online are doulas. More expectant parents are now opting for virtual doula services via Zoom.
Hospital restrictions during the pandemic have limited the presence of support persons, including doulas and sometimes even partners, in delivery rooms. However, having someone there for emotional and advocacy support is essential. To address this need, pregnant individuals have sought innovative solutions, such as engaging doulas through virtual platforms. Doulas are now offering everything from prenatal and postnatal support sessions to live Zoom calls during labor.
Dr. Emma Johnson, an OB-GYN in San Francisco, noted in an interview with Pregnancy Today, “Labor can be incredibly challenging, and having proper support is vital. Virtual doulas have become an invaluable resource for assisting patients during labor. Their involvement can significantly influence the labor experience, making our roles as OB-GYNs easier.”
For those unfamiliar with the term, a doula is defined by the International Doula Association as “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” There are two primary categories of doulas: birth and postpartum.
Birth Doulas
Birth doulas are well-known and provide essential physical support during labor, offering guidance on positions, breathing techniques, and pain relief methods, such as massage. They also deliver emotional support to the birthing person and their partner and provide evidence-based information to help families make informed choices during labor.
Postpartum Doulas
Postpartum doulas offer similar support but focus on helping new parents transition into parenthood. The early days of parenting can be overwhelming, and postpartum doulas assist with everything from breastfeeding support to meal preparation, ensuring that the entire family, including siblings and grandparents, adapts smoothly to the new addition.
Lily Carter, a practicing doula and wellness advocate, expressed her challenges during the pandemic to Wellness Today, stating, “When lockdown began, I questioned how I could remain present for my clients. I considered how to continue educating and empowering them. I realized that if they were open to FaceTime and constant communication via text, I could still be there for them.” Although remote support is not the ideal scenario, it has proven to be a viable alternative for doulas to continue helping expectant parents.
A study on the global doula response to COVID-19 conducted by researchers Sarah Davis and Mark Thompson highlighted that, despite the challenges of virtual work, many doulas successfully adapted. A doula from Brazil shared, “I explain in detail what virtual support entails. I help set up the necessary technology and practice beforehand to ensure good camera angles, and I essentially ‘attend’ the birth as if I were physically present.”
Ultimately, virtual doulas continue to provide invaluable services to families, and while platforms like Zoom have facilitated these connections during the pandemic, doulas eagerly await the return of hands-on, personal care that they are accustomed to providing.
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In summary, the rise of virtual doulas during the pandemic has provided expectant parents with essential support, adapting to the challenges of limited in-person care. This shift has highlighted the resilience of the doula profession and their unwavering commitment to supporting families during significant life transitions.